WIREDGOV

The latest NHS Scotland performance management (HEAT) targets include a commitment to ensure that 90 per cent of people who need treatment for their drug problem receive it within three weeks.

A similar target to cover specialist alcohol misuse treatment will come into force the following year.

The targets also include a commitment to deliver faster access to specialist child and adolescent mental health services.

There is currently no maximum waiting time for access to these services but, by March 2013, patients will wait no longer than 26 weeks as a milestone to delivering even faster access.

Other new targets announced last week include:

• At least 60 per cent of three and four years olds in Scotland, including the most deprived communities, are to routinely get fluoride teeth varnishing, to improve their oral health, by March 2014
• An annual three per cent reduction in CO2 emissions over the next five years
• A further 15 per cent reduction in MRSA cases by March 2011, on top of a 30 per cent reduction by March 2010.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:

"Ensuring patients always get the best possible care is the top priority for the NHS in Scotland and HEAT targets are a valuable way to make sure this happens.

"We continually work with clinical leaders to improve healthcare and these new targets tackle a range of issues. I am pleased that we are now able to introduce waiting time pledges for both specialist mental health services for young people, and drug treatment services. This will, I am sure, improve the quality of lives for many people throughout Scotland.

"We've already achieved major improvements in healthcare in recent years including cutting waiting times, abolishing hidden waits and reducing hospital infections. Targets are key to focusing action to ensure we can deliver lasting change and further improvement in all aspects of healthcare."

HEAT targets are a core set of Ministerial objectives, targets and measures for the NHS. The targets are set each year after consultation with stakeholders. Progress is measured throughout the year and boards are held to account during their annual review with the Cabinet Secretary.